On the couch with the gorgeous talk show host, cancer survivor Terlisa Sheppard gets an amazing surprise from Ms. Jennifer Hudson!
Before sharing her own heroic story, Terlisa begins by recognizing Ms. Hudson’s courage and strength during the hard times that have come her way. That speaks to Terlisa’s humble and giving nature, which we learn more about during her interview with Jennifer.
Jennifer has invited Terlisa and her lovely daughters, Alexis and Alyah, to be her guests. Terlisa explains that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998; she was 31 with a 2-year-old daughter and pregnant with her second. Jennifer says that she sees “the God in it,” because, 24 years later, Terlisa is still living and making memories with her grown girls. God is most certainly in it!
When asked how she handled the first diagnosis, Terlisa said that she was shocked but determined to fight for her children. Jennifer remarks that she is indeed a fighter. Terlisa will receive cancer treatments for the rest of her life.
She’s been living with metastatic cancer for 24 years! While she fought initially to be there for her girls, it sounds like she now fights to enjoy as many days as she can with them!
Jennifer commends the positivity that Terlisa and her daughters demonstrate. Terlisa shares that she decided to be positive, even when doctors did not offer her hope. She committed to live one moment at a time through three additional cancer diagnoses in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
Alyah tells Jennifer that her mother’s resilience and determination to live her best life inspires her, and Alexis praises Mom’s continued efforts to volunteer and give back to others even when she struggles daily with her illness. In fact, Terlisa mentors other cancer survivors, provides rides to appointments, and strives to help others on the same cancer journey whenever she is able.
Before ending her time with Terlisa, Alexis, and Alyah, Jennifer says that she’s been told they like the beach. They all confirm the rumor and share that their favorite is Cocoa Beach, which isn’t too far from Terlisa’s Orlando, Florida home.
Jennifer announces that she’d like to send the ladies on a beach vacation, and they are thrilled! The three will be spending six nights at a fabulous resort on the Turks and Caicos Islands, with airfare, activities, and food included!
Jennifer, exuding positivity and warmth herself, tells her guests to be blessed, keep shining, and stay positive. She states what they already know—God is with them, and she tells them to keep doing the beautiful things they are doing.
Ms. Hudson brought viewers a story of faith, miracles, giving, and love. And we sure do need more of those. She made the lives of those amazing ladies better, and she brightened the world just as Terlisa has been doing all these years!
“The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2